Navigating Student Life: A Comprehensive Guide to TUHSD Features

The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) and the Tamalpais Union High School District (California) offer a range of features designed to support students, parents, and staff. This article explores these features, providing a comprehensive overview of the resources and opportunities available within these districts.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

Summer Math Advancement Program

The Summer Math Advancement Program, also known as the Summer Math Academy, is an in-person program held at the Desert Vista High School campus. This program is designed for students entering grades 6 through 9 in Fall 2026, as well as current 9th-grade students who have completed the necessary math prerequisites. The program runs from Monday, June 1, 2026, through Friday, June 26, 2026, with classes meeting daily from 7:45 am to 12:45 pm.

Asynchronous Online Courses

TUHSD offers asynchronous online courses, which allow students and instructors to engage with the material at different times. This format typically does not include live meetings, except for an in-person final exam. However, instructors may offer optional live sessions or office hours for additional support. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for students who require a more adaptable learning schedule.

Distance Learning Academy (DLA)

The Distance Learning Academy (DLA) provides an online option with a traditional high school feel. DLA students can participate in dual enrollment, choose Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, and build relationships with their peers through activities like fall festivals, homecoming, and prom. The DLA is designed for students who may learn better from home or need a more flexible schedule.

SEA Course Selection

Students have the opportunity to select courses for SEA (Specific Educational Assistance). Upon enrollment, a debit will be applied to the student’s account, with payment due by midnight on May 7, 2026. Current TUHSD students must use their ParentVue account for online payments, while new TUHSD students enrolling for Fall 2026 must pay in person at their TUHSD high school bookstore. Course changes are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and students should contact their school counselor prior to May 7th. Students may be dropped after the second absence.

Celebrating Diversity and Achievement

Black History Month

February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate Black excellence and recognize the significant contributions of Black Americans to society. The initiative to honor and include Black Americans in the nation’s curriculum was started by Carter G. Woodson, author of "The Miseducation of a Negro." While Black History is highlighted in February, it is an integral part of American History and should be integrated throughout the entire curriculum. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has chosen the theme "African Americans and the Arts" for Black History Month.

Arab American Heritage Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month, celebrating the rich and diverse culture and contributions of Arab Americans. National Arab American Heritage Month has been observed during April since 2017.

Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is celebrated annually in March, recognizing women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. The theme is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion," highlighting women who work to eliminate bias and discrimination.

Model Continuation High School

San Andreas High School has been recognized as a Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education. This recognition is a testament to the school's commitment to its students and their families, providing educational options, mental health resources, and support services.

Academic Achievements

Congratulations were extended to the Tam High Mock Trial team for taking 3rd place in the state competition and for winning the county competition.

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Technology and Communication Platforms

TUHSD Portal

The TUHSD portal is a secure online collection of apps, links, and files tailored for the Tamalpais district. It provides students with easy access to homework files, allows teachers to share resources, and reduces issues with lost passwords. The portal is accessible on phones, tablets, or computers, with Google Chrome recommended for the best experience. The portal evolves with new apps added over time.

Features of the TUHSD Portal:

App Organization: Allows users to sort icons alphabetically or drag them into folders.
Auto-Login: Automatically fills in credentials for many sites.
Adding and Removing Apps: Users can add new apps by clicking the “+” icon.

ParentSquare

Tempe Union High School District adopted ParentSquare, a unified communications platform designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement with the district.

ParentVUE

In Tolleson Union High School District, the portal is Synergy/ParentVUE, which allows parents to check attendance, grades, and announcements.

Canvas

Canvas is another platform used in conjunction with ParentSquare and ParentVUE for educational purposes.

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School Accountability and Improvement

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

Every year, by February 1st, all schools in California must publish a School Accountability Report Card (SARC). The SARC provides information about the condition and performance of each public school in California.

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)

As part of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), local educational agencies (LEAs) are obligated to create a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). This plan outlines how they plan to achieve annual goals for all students, incorporating specific activities to address both state and local priorities. The data presented in an LCAP must align with the data reported in the corresponding School Accountability Report Card (SARC).

California School Dashboard

The California School Dashboard helps parents and educators identify strengths and areas for improvement, reporting how districts, schools, and student groups are performing across state and local measures. The Dashboard uses a color-coded system to assign an Academic Indicator. The state requires 95% participation on the CAASPP and CAST assessments, and failure to meet this threshold can penalize the District in the Academic Indicator Categories.

Important Dates and Events

National Teacher Appreciation Week and Day

National Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated from May 6-10, with National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 7. This is a time to thank teachers for their contributions to students' lives.

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, celebrated on February 10th, marks the onset of spring and the start of a new year in the lunisolar calendar.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, established by the United Nations on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Class of 2026 Graduation

Graduations for the class of 2026 will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Student Support and Well-being

Dean of Student Success

To address issues of chronic absenteeism and enhance connection to campus life, the role of Dean of Student Success was introduced at Archie Williams, Redwood, and Tam High Schools.

Confidential Tip Lines

Confidential tip lines are available at Archie Williams, Redwood, San Andreas, Tamiscal, and Tam High for students to report incidents.

Callahan Care Partnership

TUHSD partners with Callahan Care to provide resources and assistance to TUHSD students and families.

Prom Pop-Up Events

Students across the District organize Prom Pop Up events where students may obtain formal wear free of charge.

Facilities and Resources

Facilities Bond Measure

The Tam District Board of Trustees has placed a Facilities Bond Measure on the ballot, earmarked for facilities and buildings within the district. Bond funds may only be allocated to capital expenses and not to operating expenses like teacher and administrator salaries and pensions.

Facilities Master Plan

The district has conducted an audit of facilities and developed a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, outlining the necessary updates required for district facilities.

Solar Array Installation

The District continues its solar array installation, with information available on the Facilities Modernization webpage.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is strongly linked to student success and their sense of belonging to the school community. Research has shown that attendance is a key indicator significantly correlated with high school graduation, particularly by ninth grade.

Addressing Discrimination

Title IX

Title IX is federal civil right legislation that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX protects all students that may be affected by sexual harassment, discrimination and violence.

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